This chapter, which parallels 1 Chronicles 17, has another account of David’s prayer, and also God’s covenant with David. David’s prayer was out of response to this covenant.
” ‘When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’ ” (v12-16)
God tells David that one of his sons will become king after him, and that son will build a house for God (He’s talking about Solomon). David is also assured that his kingdom (lineage) will be established forever. This awesome promise foretells the coming of Jesus, who descends from David’s lineage.
Leaving a legacy is important. We are all finite beings, with short lifespans (in the light of eternity). We only have a few years on this earth, so what we leave behind us when we’re gone is our legacy – how we will be remembered.
God gives us many guidelines on spiritual parenting (or discipleship), which seems to be the greatest legacy we can leave, since it has an eternal effect. Other types of legacies (eg. money or power) are temporary at best.
Jesus’ ‘great commission’ is a call to leave a spiritual legacy: ” ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ ” (Mt 28:18-20)
We have been commanded to make disciples of all who are willing, which is a form of legacy. We (with guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit) can raise up the next generation of Christ followers, who will raise up the next generation of Christ followers, and so on. Not only do we help keep Jesus’ kingdom alive and growing, but those who confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, they will be saved (Rom 10:9). This is an eternal legacy.
I encourage us to embrace discipleship. We’ve talked before about “have a mentor, be a mentor”. We need to continue deepening our relationship with Jesus, while helping at least one other do the same. In our current global situation there are many who are looking for answers and meaning in this life, so finding someone to disciple should not be too difficult. The only question is, are we willing to take that next step and let the Spirit lead us toward leaving that eternal legacy?
Father God, our Gracious and Generous King, holy, holy, holy is your name.Father You have blessed us with Your Spirit which leads and guides us in Your ways and teachings. Thank you for aiding us in the great commission, to leave a lasting legacy of spiritual truth. Thank you for those You will bring into our lives to disciple us, as well as those You bring for us to disciple. Father we ask that all we teach would be from You and Your word, so we and those around us would deepen our relationship with You. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer and Friend, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training